Recycling is one of the most important issues of our time. Recycling is a world-wide flow and trade and it is set to be an important focus for the foreseeable future. Each enquiry we receive here at MM Markets on recycling leads to fascinating discoveries and a window into the wide range of opportunities which exist. For example, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) report https://unitar.org/about/news-stories/press/global-e-waste-monitor-2024-electronic-waste-rising-five-times-faster-documented-e-waste-recycling reveals the global opportunity in e-waste, and the existing level of collection and sorting. It might be assumed that all of our e-waste is fully recycled – some facts and figures from the comprehensive UNITAR report:
- 62 million tonnes of e-waste generated in 2022 would fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks, roughly enough trucks to form a bumper-to-bumper line encircling the equator.
- 14 million tonnes is the estimated mass of e-waste trashed, mostly landfilled, in 2022.
- 31 million tonnes is the estimated weight of metals embedded in e-waste in 2022, along with 17 million tonnes of plastics and 14 million tonnes of other materials.
- 42.8% is the formally documented collection and recycling rate in Europe.
Looking at the bigger picture on recycling, various flow-models exist, supported by a wealth of data, which attempt to model in detail and understand the wider view. There are various public and private models in existence, estimating the percentages of material recycled at various stages, from mining to end use, and back to recycled. For those estimating the level of production required for a material, understanding recycling, or at least having a well-researched independent view, is critical.
Some material use in products seems relatively slow to be recycled. This is partly due to relative life-times of use and also the availability of facilities to recycle material. For example, Aluminium cans are quick to be recycled and used again, whereas a product such as Copper power cable is in service usually for a number of decades.
MM Markets is able to gather intelligence and provide strategic advice on the various aspects and elements of recycling:
- We can investigate regional recycling flows
- Identify long-term future recycling trends
- Analyse recycling flows and trends of specific end use markets and products
- Investigate how recycling regulations, such as the upcoming EU recycled content restrictions, will impact flows and businesses
- Competitive analysis on recycling market development or entry
- Market participant research, building alliances and developing partnerships for recycling.
Thank you, and until next time!
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MM Markets provide strategy and insight through market intelligence sourced directly from market participants. We cover trending and important issues such as recycling, substitution, competitor benchmarking, see the wide range of issues we cover www.mm-markets.com.
If you would like to discuss a project with us, please do contact me colin.bennett@mm-markets.com or Krisztina.kalman@mm-markets.com.
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